District of Columbia bans polystyrene food, beverage containers

June 26, 2014

The Washington Post reports that Washington, D.C. lawmakers voted Tuesday to ban the use of plastic-foam food and drink containers by 2016. Polystyrene foam, commonly known by the brand name Styrofoam, is not fully biodegradable.

Food and beverage outlets would be required to offer only compostable or recyclable containers by 2018.

Seattle, San Francisco and other cities have passed similar bans.

According to the Post:

The bill passed over objections from the plastics industry, which has called the foam ban “an expensive new burden” on businesses and consumers. But the ban was championed by environmental activists, particularly those working in city waterways, who have said foam containers dissolve into tiny particles that can harm fish and animals.